Three Minnesota Wild Veterans Return To Practice, One Key Center Is Absent

Injuries have been a challenge for the Minnesota Wild at this point in the season, and today's practice was a positive sign that they are on the verge of full health.

Brock Faber participated in his first team practice since suffering a skull fracture, and coach John Hynes said Faber will join the team on their road trip next week.

He also mentioned that captain Jared Spurgeon won't play this weekend, but Nick and Marcus Foligno are game-time decisions.

Spurgeon is dealing with his second injury stint, as he is currently nursing a lower-body injury. He has been out since Oct. 27, but returning to practice is a good sign that he is improving and nearing a return.

Nick Foligno has been out since Oct. 6 with an upper-body injury. He's played just three games this season, but it appears he will be ready to return. Foligno was a full participant at practice and took regular shifts as the fourth-line left winger.

As for Marcus, he rotated with Tyler Pitlick, which indicates his return eligibility is still in question. Foligno has been out since Oct. 8 with a lower body injury. He played just four games before heading to the injured reserve. Presumably, if Marcus Foligno can’t play Friday or Saturday, he'll be able to return during the Wild's three-game road trip. 

The Wild's three-game road trip, where we could see any of the aforementioned players return, begins on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens. They then face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday before closing it out against the Boston Bruins on Saturday. 

While Faber, Spurgeon, and the Foligno brothers returned to practice, Joel Eriksson Ek was absent. Hynes confirmed after practice that Eriksson Ek was out for maintenance and will be in the lineup against the San Jose Sharks tomorrow. 

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